Cold Tea Collective does not claim to be experts or professionals in alcohol addiction, substance abuse or recovery. The information and materials provided, including the list of quotes from AAPI individuals and resources, is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon for any medical or diagnostic purpose, or for the treatment of any condition or symptom. The information and materials provided do not constitute the provision or practice or intend to substitute professional health care advice, services or treatment. Please refer to professional expertise accordingly.
In a world where the clink of glasses and the cheer of toasts are ubiquitous, alcohol often takes center stage in social gatherings across diverse cultures. This cultural phenomenon is no exception within the rich tapestry of the Asian diaspora. From spirited KBBQ feasts with friends to lively karaoke sessions, the social fabric is often interwoven with soju and the aroma of spirits—sobriety during the holidays can be tricky.
However, it’s essential to recognize that not everyone partakes in these libations. More importantly, no one should feel pressured to do so—especially during the festive holiday season.
This introspective look at the lives of five Asian and AAPI celebrities sheds light on their unique relationships with sobriety, breaking free from the societal expectation that joy is synonymous with a drink in hand.
Margaret Cho
Throughout her career, comedian and actor Margaret Cho has been candid about her struggles with alcoholism, drugs, and mental health.
“I didn’t really get it the last time around but it’s also a constantly evolving project, you know, your mental health and your wellbeing. It’s an ongoing piece of art you have to keep applying yourself to.”
– Margaret Cho on The Osbourne Podcast.
Steve Aoki
DJ and music producer Steve Aoki became sober following the death of a close personal friend, DJ AM.
“I think a lot of the time, it’s an issue of shame. But that conversation needs to be had even more, so the dialogue is the key to finally pulling the skeletons out of the closet, dealing with the issues.”
– Steve Aoki in an interview with Forbes.
Kevin Kreider
Kevin Kreider, best known as a star on Netflix’s reality series Bling Empire, is a founder of Sans by Taejin Beverage, an Asian-themed alcoholic alternative beverage.
“I have to contribute sobriety a hundred percent to my success right now. A lot of people say, oh my God, you’re so articulate, or you can really express yourself. And I learned that all through recovery, just being in the rooms, sharing my experience, strength and hope.”
– Kevin Kreider on the Addiction Talk podcast.
Making mocktails or having alcohol alternative drinks like Sans by Taejin Beverage is one way to ease into sobriety during the holidays and into the new year.
Jackie Chan
Martial arts and acting legend Jackie Chan revealed personal troubles with drinking, fame, and parenting in the early parts of his career in his 2015 memoir Never Grow Up.
“I drunk drove all the time. In the morning, I’d crash my Porsche. Then in the evening, I’d total a Mercedes-Benz. All day long, I went around in a haze.”
– Jackie Chan from his memoir Never Grow Up
Temuera Morrison
New Zealand actor Temuera Morrison, best known for his role as Boba Fett in the Star Wars franchise, has put down the bottle with age.
“I come from a heavy drinking background. All my family members did it, except my grandmother. She called alcohol ‘kaka’ and used to say to us all, ‘Give up that bloody kaka!’ Of course, we never listened. I used to think people were stupid if they didn’t drink – that something was wrong with them. Looking back, it was a strange mentality!”
– Temuera Morrison from an interview with Now to Love
Resources to learn more about sobriety
For those curious about sobriety during the holidays or are on their own sobriety journey, check out these resources:
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline
- Alcohol Flush Reaction – NIAAA
- Knowing Your Limits with Alcohol: A Practical Guide to Assessing Your Drinking – CCSA
- Get help with substance abuse — Government of Canada
- Dry January – Alcohol Change UK
- The Best Nonalcoholic Drinks – The New York Times Wirecutter
See also: Cultivating a space for Asian mental health conversations
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